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ROCK BAND Reloaded for iPad gallery

What parents need to know

The game offers a wide range of modes no matter what instrument you choose to focus on -- opening it up to a wide audience.

Violence

Some of the game's songs include references to violence, such as "Bodies" by Drowning Pool, which repeats "Let the bodies hit the floor."

Sex

Some of the game's songs include suggestive lyrics, though nothing salacious. Examples include the Steve Miller Band's "Rockn' Me," and "Heartbreaker" by Pat Benatar, which includes "You're the right kind of sinner, to release my inner fantasy".

Language

Some of the included songs have mild profanities, such as No Doubt's "Hella Good."

Consumerism

Users can buy additional songs for their music catalog for 99 cents -- and the game is a promotional platform for all of the bands whose songs are featured.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking

Included in the setlist is Evanescence's "Call Me When You're Sober" -- a song that's all about drug and alcohol use, albeit not in a glorious light.

Privacy & safety

Some privacy concerns. In order to access the game's "news center," which shows the activity of friends, allows you to share accomplishments, and learn when new downloadable songs launch, users are required to log into Facebook.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Rock Band Reloaded is a music simulation game that casts players in the role of band members in a rock group. Eschewing the cut scenes of its console cousin, the focus here is entirely on making music -- letting you choose to play guitar, bass, drums, or be the lead singer. Each option has four difficulty options, making the game accessible to players of all skill levels. Up to four players can play at once through local WiFi and bluetooth, but online multiplay is not available. Several songs have lyrics that may not be appropriate for young children. A virtually identical version of the game is available for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

User reviews

Parents say

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Is it any good?

QUALITY

The Rock Band franchise is one of the best in the music genre, and this mobile version keeps the quality level high. The game comes with a deep collection of music -- 20 songs are available initially -- and finally lets players actually sing the songs, rather than tap the screen along with the lyrics. This "vocal mode" makes the game more immersive (though for tone-deaf players, the tap along option is still available). The game is pretty forgiving with singers, though -- not recognizing lyrics and being extremely generous with pitch. The differentiating features of the iPad version (versus the iPhone version) are minimal and don't really justify the extra $5 in price. It's a well-made and truly fun game, but you're just as well off buying the less expensive iPhone version.

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About Our Rating System

The age displayed for each title is the minimum one for which it's developmentally appropriate. We recently updated all of our reviews to show only this age, rather than the multi-color "slider." Get more information about our ratings.

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